Saving Brinton at Cine

Saving Brinton

87 mins |
Rated
NR

Directed by Tommy Haines

Starring William Franklin Brinton, Mike Zahs

In a farmhouse basement on the Iowa countryside, eccentric collector Mike Zahs makes a remarkable discovery: the showreels of the man who brought moving pictures to America’s Heartland. Among the treasures: rare footage of President Teddy Roosevelt, the first moving images from Burma, a lost relic from magical effects godfather Georges Méliés. These are the films that introduced movies to the world. And they didn’t end up in Iowa by accident. The old nitrate reels are just some of the artifacts that belonged to William Franklin Brinton. From thousands of trinkets, handwritten journals, receipts, posters and catalogs emerges the story of an inventive farmboy who became America’s greatest barnstorming movieman.

As Mike uncovers this hidden legacy, he begins a journey to restore the Brinton name that takes us to The Library of Congress, Paris and back for a big screen extravaganza in the same small-town movie theater where Frank first turned on a projector over a century ago. By uniting community through a pride in their living history, Mike embodies a welcome antidote to the breakneck pace of our disposable society. This acclaimed documentary is a portrait of this unlikely Midwestern folk hero, at once a meditation on living simply and a celebration of dreaming big.

Presented as part of this year's Art House Theatre Day, a national celebration of the art house theater and the cultural role it plays in a community. It is a time to recognize the year-round contributions of film and filmmakers, patrons, projectionists, and staff, and the brick and mortar theaters that are passionately dedicated to providing access to the best cinematic experience. As a special THANK-YOU to our Athens community, admission to all shows on Sunday September 23rd will be FREE!

GUEST SPEAKERS: Live video Q&A with the filmmakers, hosted by UGA Film Studies Professor and AFAI Board Member Richard Neupert following the 5:15p afternoon screening on Sunday September 23. Arrive early at 4:00p for a welcome reception with cocktails and catering by our neighbor The National!

MEMBER NIGHT: Join us for a special Member Night celebration on Tuesday, September 25th! Ciné Members are invited to meet and greet during a social hour at 6:30p with snacks provided by Trader Joe's, between the screenings of SAVING BRINTON. Admission for this show is FREE for all current Ciné Members!

PLEASE NOTE: All screenings require a printed seating pass, available at the Box Office. Seating is limited. Please arrive at least 30mins prior to showtime for best availability.

In a farmhouse basement on the Iowa countryside, eccentric collector Mike Zahs makes a remarkable discovery: the showreels of the man who brought moving pictures to America’s Heartland. Among the treasures: rare footage of President Teddy Roosevelt, the first moving images from Burma, a lost relic from magical effects godfather Georges Méliés. These are the films that introduced movies to the world. And they didn’t end up in Iowa by accident. The old nitrate reels are just some of the artifacts that belonged to William Franklin Brinton. From thousands of trinkets, handwritten journals, receipts, posters and catalogs emerges the story of an inventive farmboy who became America’s greatest barnstorming movieman.

As Mike uncovers this hidden legacy, he begins a journey to restore the Brinton name that takes us to The Library of Congress, Paris and back for a big screen extravaganza in the same small-town movie theater where Frank first turned on a projector over a century ago. By uniting community through a pride in their living history, Mike embodies a welcome antidote to the breakneck pace of our disposable society. This acclaimed documentary is a portrait of this unlikely Midwestern folk hero, at once a meditation on living simply and a celebration of dreaming big.

Presented as part of this year's Art House Theatre Day, a national celebration of the art house theater and the cultural role it plays in a community. It is a time to recognize the year-round contributions of film and filmmakers, patrons, projectionists, and staff, and the brick and mortar theaters that are passionately dedicated to providing access to the best cinematic experience. As a special THANK-YOU to our Athens community, admission to all shows on Sunday September 23rd will be FREE!

GUEST SPEAKERS: Live video Q&A with the filmmakers, hosted by UGA Film Studies Professor and AFAI Board Member Richard Neupert following the 5:15p afternoon screening on Sunday September 23. Arrive early at 4:00p for a welcome reception with cocktails and catering by our neighbor The National!

MEMBER NIGHT: Join us for a special Member Night celebration on Tuesday, September 25th! Ciné Members are invited to meet and greet during a social hour at 6:30p with snacks provided by Trader Joe's, between the screenings of SAVING BRINTON. Admission for this show is FREE for all current Ciné Members!

PLEASE NOTE: All screenings require a printed seating pass, available at the Box Office. Seating is limited. Please arrive at least 30mins prior to showtime for best availability.

Saving Brinton

In a farmhouse basement on the Iowa countryside, eccentric collector Mike Zahs makes a remarkable discovery: the showreels of the man who brought moving pictures to America’s Heartland. Among the treasures: rare footage of President Teddy Roosevelt, the first moving images from Burma, a lost relic from magical effects godfather Georges Méliés. These are the films that introduced movies to the world. And they didn’t end up in Iowa by accident. The old nitrate reels are just some of the artifacts that belonged to William Franklin Brinton. From thousands of trinkets, handwritten journals, receipts, posters and catalogs emerges the story of an inventive farmboy who became America’s greatest barnstorming movieman.

As Mike uncovers this hidden legacy, he begins a journey to restore the Brinton name that takes us to The Library of Congress, Paris and back for a big screen extravaganza in the same small-town movie theater where Frank first turned on a projector over a century ago. By uniting community through a pride in their living history, Mike embodies a welcome antidote to the breakneck pace of our disposable society. This acclaimed documentary is a portrait of this unlikely Midwestern folk hero, at once a meditation on living simply and a celebration of dreaming big.

Presented as part of this year's Art House Theatre Day, a national celebration of the art house theater and the cultural role it plays in a community. It is a time to recognize the year-round contributions of film and filmmakers, patrons, projectionists, and staff, and the brick and mortar theaters that are passionately dedicated to providing access to the best cinematic experience. As a special THANK-YOU to our Athens community, admission to all shows on Sunday September 23rd will be FREE!

GUEST SPEAKERS: Live video Q&A with the filmmakers, hosted by UGA Film Studies Professor and AFAI Board Member Richard Neupert following the 5:15p afternoon screening on Sunday September 23. Arrive early at 4:00p for a welcome reception with cocktails and catering by our neighbor The National!

MEMBER NIGHT: Join us for a special Member Night celebration on Tuesday, September 25th! Ciné Members are invited to meet and greet during a social hour at 6:30p with snacks provided by Trader Joe's, between the screenings of SAVING BRINTON. Admission for this show is FREE for all current Ciné Members!

PLEASE NOTE: All screenings require a printed seating pass, available at the Box Office. Seating is limited. Please arrive at least 30mins prior to showtime for best availability.